AN ACT RELATING TO CRIMINAL OFFENSES -- PUBLIC UTILITIES

This bill expands the existing crime of false reporting to include false claims about shootings or other dangerous events, directly affecting individuals who make such reports via telephone or other means. Under the new provisions, anyone who knowingly transmits a false warning about a shooting that causes fear, prompts an evacuation, or triggers a law enforcement response could face up to ten years in prison, a fine of $1,000, or both. The legislation also allows courts to impose specific conditions on bail for those charged, such as extreme risk protection orders, no trespass orders, or referrals for mental health and substance abuse treatment.